EP2031168B1 - Buffer element - Google Patents
Buffer element Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2031168B1 EP2031168B1 EP08014902.4A EP08014902A EP2031168B1 EP 2031168 B1 EP2031168 B1 EP 2031168B1 EP 08014902 A EP08014902 A EP 08014902A EP 2031168 B1 EP2031168 B1 EP 2031168B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- buffer
- securing
- side wall
- fastening element
- element according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229930040373 Paraformaldehyde Natural products 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- -1 polyoxymethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920006324 polyoxymethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000008719 thickening Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001427 coherent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006735 deficit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F5/00—Braking devices, e.g. checks; Stops; Buffers
- E05F5/02—Braking devices, e.g. checks; Stops; Buffers specially for preventing the slamming of swinging wings during final closing movement, e.g. jamb stops
- E05F5/022—Braking devices, e.g. checks; Stops; Buffers specially for preventing the slamming of swinging wings during final closing movement, e.g. jamb stops specially adapted for vehicles, e.g. for hoods or trunks
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/50—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles
- E05Y2900/53—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles characterised by the type of wing
- E05Y2900/546—Tailgates
Definitions
- the invention relates to a buffer element for use as a stop for a movable part, in particular a front or rear hood of a motor vehicle, on a load-bearing part, in particular a body.
- Such buffer elements are known in particular from automotive engineering. They are used there to support a bonnet against a body with a dampening effect.
- the engine hood can be designed both as a front and a rear hood, namely depending on the position of the engine in the vehicle.
- the mentioned buffer elements are used, for example, for the damping support of trunk lids.
- the buffer element is generally intended to prevent the development of noise and damage caused by the parts resting against one another. Furthermore, such buffer elements are used to compensate for body tolerances. For this purpose, the buffer elements can be designed to be adjustable.
- Height-adjustable buffer elements are for example from the WO 02 / 38900A1 , the EP 0 892 140 A2 and the DE 40 11 186 A1 known. So is in the WO 02/38900 A1 a buffer element for use as a stop for a movable part has become known, in particular a front or rear hood of a motor vehicle, on a load-bearing part, in particular a body, with a fastening element that can be fixed to the load-bearing or movable part, and with a buffer that is indirectly or is held directly by the fastening element, wherein the buffer is adjustable in height with respect to the fastening element, wherein the buffer has a buffer body facing away from the fastening element and a connecting element facing the fastening element, and wherein the connecting element engages the fastening element in a non-positive and / or positive manner, wherein the position of the connecting element in relation to the fastening element is adjustable and lockable.
- Another height-adjustable buffer element is, for example DE 43 40 114 A1 known.
- This buffer element has a press nut made of an elastic material. This is inserted into an opening provided in a body.
- a threaded bolt is provided as a spacer and stop for a movable body part. This can have two positions within the push-in nut take in.
- an inclined bore is provided within the push-in nut, in which the threaded bolt can be axially displaced. The desired immersion depth of the threaded bolt should be set in this position.
- the threaded bolt can then be pivoted into an internal thread extending in the axial direction of the press-in nut and fixed there.
- the known buffer element is disadvantageous in several respects.
- the height adjustment of the element is carried out in the pivoted position of the threaded bolt.
- the threaded bolt pivoted back into the operating position holds the body part to be picked up at exactly the same height as the pivoted bolt.
- the height adjustment is therefore prone to errors.
- the body part to be stored rests directly on the threaded bolt, which is usually made of metal. This can cause rattling noises and damage.
- the present invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a buffer element in which simple assembly and reliable operation are achieved with simultaneously improved functionality.
- a buffer element that can be fixed to a load-bearing or a movable part allows the greatest possible versatility during assembly.
- the person skilled in the art will generally attach the buffer element to a load-bearing, fixed part in order not to increase the mass of the movable part any further.
- the opposite solution has to be implemented due to design constraints.
- the attachment and the buffer effect of the buffer element are separated from one another.
- the buffer element according to the invention is fixed with a fastening element on a load-bearing or movable part.
- the buffer is at a distance from the fastening element, but is held indirectly or directly by the latter.
- the buffer acts where the damping property is required, namely directly on the part for which it serves as a stop. Damage or the development of noise due to imprecise adjustment of the buffer element is thus effectively avoided.
- the assembly of the buffer element according to the invention is significantly simplified due to the division into buffer and fastening element.
- the buffer is adjustable in height with respect to the fastening element. This makes it particularly easy to compensate for body tolerances. Since the buffer forms an independent unit of the buffer element according to the invention, a particularly precise adjustability can be realized. Furthermore, the buffer can be guided in relation to the fastening element in such a way that an “adjustment position” can be dispensed with. Accordingly, the buffer element according to the invention cannot inadvertently disengage into such an adjustment position during operation.
- a buffer element is specified in which simple assembly and reliable operation are achieved with improved functionality at the same time.
- the buffer within the buffer element according to the invention can have a cylindrical or a polygonal or polygonal side wall.
- a cylindrical side wall can be advantageous if an external axial guide is provided for the buffer. Such an embodiment will be discussed in detail below.
- a polygonal or polygonal side wall is advantageous if the height adjustability of the buffer in relation to the fastening element is achieved by turning or screwing the buffer.
- a polygonal or polygonal side wall can provide easier access by hand or with a suitable tool.
- the buffer comprises a soft plastic material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer, or rubber.
- the buffer can provide an optimal damping effect. Damage to the moving part contacted by the buffer or the generation of rattling noises is effectively prevented.
- the buffer can be displaced and / or screwed in and / or screwed out and, if necessary, locked in relation to the fastening element.
- a height adjustability of the buffer with respect to the fastening element can be realized in a particularly simple manner.
- An optional lockable position of the buffer in relation to the fastening element also avoids an unintentional change in the height setting.
- the side wall of the buffer facing the fastening element is at least partially formed by a sleeve.
- the sleeve has an internal thread. This realizes an embodiment in which the buffer engages with its side wall in the aforementioned manner in the fastening element (in particular in a thread provided in the fastening element), a buffer element with particularly high force absorption and thus increased stability can be provided.
- the side wall of the buffer can be designed without a thread, so that a suitably shaped sleeve of the fastening element can only provide axial guidance for the buffer. This axial guidance can be implemented both on the outside and on the inside of the sleeve of the buffer.
- the transition area between the buffer and the fastening element has one or more predetermined breaking points, after the destruction of which the buffer can be moved in the direction of the fastening element.
- This embodiment is particularly advantageous with regard to pedestrian protection when used in motor vehicle front hoods.
- the transition area can be designed in such a way that when a pedestrian hits the front hood, a threshold value for the force acting on the buffer is exceeded.
- the predetermined breaking point is destroyed, so that the maximum possible path is released for the buffer to move down to the fastening element while consuming impact energy. The force acting on an injured pedestrian is thus reduced to the technically possible minimum.
- the buffer also has a buffer body facing away from the fastening element and a connecting element facing the fastening element.
- the idea according to the invention of separating the fastening and the buffer effect is consequently further developed.
- the buffer body can be provided with particularly advantageous damping properties.
- the connecting element on the other hand, can correspond in a suitable manner to the fastening element namely to achieve overall a technically particularly advantageous holding or particularly advantageous storage of the buffer.
- the connecting element can be made from a hard plastic material, in particular from polyamide and / or polyoxymethylene.
- a connecting element made from such a material is particularly suitable to be clamped in a suitable manner within a fastening element or to be held by additional elements such as screws, clamps, etc.
- the buffer body and the connecting element can be formed integrally, in other words can consist of a coherent part.
- both the buffer body and the connecting element are made of plastic, they can be welded or glued, for example. Additionally or alternatively, a nail, screw or rivet connection can be provided.
- the transition area between the buffer body and the connecting element is designed as a spring element, in particular as a membrane.
- a spring element can provide a further advantageous damping effect in addition to the buffer body.
- the spring element can be designed in such a way that the restoring force follows a progressive characteristic curve.
- the spring element can be designed with a large or with a small spring deflection.
- the transition area between the buffer body and the connecting element has at least one predetermined breaking point, after which the buffer body can be moved in the direction of the fastening element after its destruction.
- the transition area is designed in such a way that the movement of the buffer body in the direction of the fastening element following the destruction of the predetermined breaking point counteracts a frictional force.
- the fastening element can be designed in such a way that a guide for a connecting element is provided for this case, a frictional force being exerted on the connecting element during the movement.
- the connecting element can have a slight oversize compared to such a guide.
- the guide can have a tapering cross section, so that the opposing frictional force increases with an increasing immersion depth of the connecting element.
- connection element for the buffer element according to the invention, it can engage in the fastening element in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner for fastening and height adjustment, the position of the connection element in relation to the fastening element being adjustable and possibly lockable.
- the connecting element can be shaped as a shaft.
- a buffer body can be spaced apart from the fastening element in a particularly simple manner.
- a shaft can be fixed securely and also in a height-adjustable manner in a fastening element.
- the shaft can have a cylindrical outer surface and, if necessary, an external thread.
- the shaft can be inserted into a suitable opening or bore in the fastening element.
- the shaft can then be braced in the opening of the fastening element by suitable means.
- said opening can have an internal thread into which the external thread of the shaft can engage.
- the shaft is shaped as a sleeve, accordingly has an inner bore, and the inner bore, if necessary, is has an internal thread.
- the shaft can be braced from the inside against one or more suitable counterparts of the fastening element via the inner bore, so that the shaft can be securely fixed.
- a pin can be provided which can be pressed or screwed into the shaft.
- This pin therefore serves as a tensioning element which expands the shaft from the inside, as a result of which it is tensioned against the fastening element.
- the pin can have an external thread which can correspond to a suitable internal thread of the bore inside the shaft.
- the pin can be designed in such a way that it can be pressed into the shaft despite the toothing present. To remove the pin, it can then be unscrewed using the toothing. It is preferred here that the force required to press the pin into the shaft is less than the amount of the force that is required to press the shaft into the fastening element. This avoids changing the height setting of the buffer in relation to the fastening element when the pin is pressed into the shaft.
- the pin can have a thickening in the front area in order to widen the shaft particularly strongly in the area of engagement by the fastening element.
- the fastening element has a cylindrical side wall.
- the side wall can extend upwards beyond the lower edge of the buffer so that the lower area of the buffer is covered by the side wall of the fastening element.
- the buffer can at least partially dip into the fastening element.
- the fastening element can therefore essentially take the form of a sleeve which partially overlaps the buffer.
- an embodiment is particularly preferred in which the inner surface of the side wall of the fastening element provides axial guidance for the buffer.
- the buffer is not only held or anchored in the fastening element, for example via a connecting element, but the position of the buffer is additionally stabilized by the side wall of the fastening element. This effectively prevents the buffer from buckling or other malfunctions.
- the inner surface of the side wall exerts a frictional and / or a clamping force on the buffer.
- the inner surface of the side wall of the fastening element is in contact with the side wall of the buffer.
- the buffer is slightly oversized in relation to the opening circumscribed by the side wall of the fastening element.
- the buffer is clamped to the side wall and can only be moved axially with the use of force.
- additional damping is thus provided by the buffer or the buffer body.
- a spring element can also be used in a particularly advantageous manner.
- the opening for the buffer circumscribed by the fastening element tapers downwards, so that the clamping force increases depending on the depth of immersion of the buffer. In this way, penetration of the buffer onto the fastening element can be avoided even if - as described above - a predetermined breaking point is provided with a view to improved pedestrian protection. In this way, the force applied to an injured pedestrian can be reduced even further.
- the side wall of the fastening element has an external thread.
- the buffer can now engage rotatably in such a thread, for example by means of a suitable sleeve. Both the height adjustment of the buffer and the transmission of force from the buffer body to the fastening element can take place via the thread pairing provided. A particularly high force absorption of the buffer and the corresponding transmission into the fastening element can thus be achieved. Furthermore, due to the large diameter, the thread can be locked particularly securely, so that even high adjustment forces cannot lead to a change in the height setting of the buffer.
- a locking ring is provided to lock the position of the buffer in relation to the external thread of the side wall.
- This locking ring can be designed quite generally in such a way that the buffer can be braced with respect to the thread of the fastening element. In addition to a particularly fine height adjustment, this also enables the position of the buffer to be locked securely.
- the locking ring can have an internal thread which engages in an external thread of a sleeve of the buffer or in an external thread of the side wall of the fastening element.
- the sleeve of the buffer can be braced against the thread of the side wall of the fastening element in that the securing ring is supported against the buffer body.
- the locking ring can engage directly in the thread of the fastening element and brace a corresponding thread of the buffer against it.
- optical and / or haptic markings of the locking position are provided, so that the operating personnel is automatically displayed at any time in connection with the actuation of the locking ring, whether or not the locking position of the buffer is present or not. This prevents incorrect operations and accidents during the adjustment of the buffer element according to the invention.
- the fastening element has a centrally arranged tensioning device for receiving the buffer or a connecting element assigned to the buffer.
- This can in particular be a spring plate.
- This clamping device can accommodate the buffer or a suitable connecting element and hold it by means of a clamping force.
- a spring plate has the advantage that an additional spring effect is provided for the buffer. Furthermore, the buffer can move slightly to the side without fear of damaging the parts.
- the fastening element has a foot on the underside which can be fixed in the opening of a receiving part, in particular in a cutout or in a hole in a sheet metal.
- the receiving part can be the body of a motor vehicle. It is particularly practical here to provide the corresponding body section with a bore into which such a foot can be inserted.
- the foot can be designed in such a way that it expands on the back of the bore and thus prevents the foot from being pulled out.
- the foot can have a round or a polygonal or polygonal shape. This can in particular be made dependent on the shape of the intended opening of a receiving part.
- the foot preferably has an undercut.
- the undercut can engage in a suitable bore and act as a barb.
- the foot can have a collar.
- a collar represents a locally limited enlargement of the outer diameter of the foot.
- the foot can, for example, have a bead-like thickening.
- the collar clamps on the back of the opening provided for the foot and prevents accidental removal of the foot.
- the foot can have axially divided segments. This is particularly helpful when the diameter of the foot for insertion into the intended opening is to be reduced.
- the segments can be pressed together in a simple manner, so that the foot can be inserted into the hole provided.
- the foot has an axial passage, in particular with an internal thread, for receiving the buffer or a connecting element assigned to the buffer.
- the foot has an internal bore which is advantageously equipped with an internal thread.
- the foot can have a sawtooth internal thread.
- the connecting element provided with a corresponding external thread can then be pressed into the foot and unscrewed again to the desired height for exact height adjustment.
- the combination of a foot provided with an axial passage and a spring plate located above it is particularly advantageous.
- the buffer can be held securely, on the other hand, the spring plate provides an advantageous spring effect and allows small lateral deflections of the buffer.
- Fig. 1 shows a side sectional view of an embodiment of a buffer element not according to the invention.
- the lower part of the buffer element is formed by a fastening element 1. This is used to plant and fix on a load-bearing or moving part.
- the fastening element 1 is preferably anchored to a body so that the buffer element can provide a stop for a front or rear hood of a motor vehicle.
- a buffer 2 is held by the fastening element 1.
- the buffer 2 has a buffer body 3 facing away from the fastening element 1 and a connecting element 4 facing the fastening element 1.
- the buffer body 3 consists of a soft plastic material, namely a thermoplastic elastomer.
- the connecting element 4 is designed here as a shaft 5 extending downward. This consists of a hard plastic material.
- the buffer 2 is held in the fastening element via the shaft 5, whereby a height adjustability is made possible.
- a spring plate 6 is formed in the lower region of the fastening element 1. The shaft 5 is clamped free of play by the spring plate 6.
- a foot 7 is provided on the underside of the fastening element 1, which foot extends in the axial direction below the fastening element 1.
- the foot 7 is initially used to fix the fastening element 1 and thus the entire buffer element on a load-bearing or movable part.
- the foot 7 can be pressed into an opening, in particular into a bore, of a receiving part.
- the foot 7 has axially subdivided segments 8.
- the segments 8 have a thickening, namely a collar 9, in the lower area. A conical end portion of the segments 8 presses them together when they are pressed into an opening or bore, as a result of which the collar 9 can pass through the opening.
- the foot 7 expands again, as a result of which the collar 9 acts as a barb and prevents the foot 7 from being removed.
- the part of the foot 7 arranged between the collar 9 and the fastening element 1 is formed as an undercut.
- the foot 7 also has an axial passage which is provided with an internal thread.
- the inner end of the foot 7 can thus receive the lower end of the connecting element 4 which is provided with an external thread.
- the buffer 2 with the connecting element 4 can be pressed into the foot 7. Then it can be screwed out of the foot 7 again for fine adjustment of the desired height of the buffer element until the desired height is reached.
- a pin 10 is provided which can be pressed into an inner bore of the shaft 5.
- the shaft 5 is manufactured as a sleeve in this embodiment.
- the inner bore can additionally have an inner thread which can correspond to an outer thread of the pin 10.
- the pin 10 expands the shaft 5 in the area of the foot 7, so that the shaft 5 is braced against the foot 7 and / or against the spring plate 6 and is thus locked.
- the transition area between connecting element 4 and buffer body 3 is designed here as a spring element, namely as a membrane 11.
- the membrane 11 provides a further spring effect.
- the membrane 11 also has a predetermined breaking point 12, which fails when an axial maximum load is exceeded and allows the buffer body 3 to be immersed in relation to the fastening element 1. In this way, for example, in the event of an accident with a pedestrian, the maximum possible path can be released in order to destroy the impact energy.
- the buffer body 3 is immersed, it is guided through the remaining connecting element 4 and subjected to an opposing frictional force.
- the fastening element 1 has a cylindrical side wall 13. This provides an axial guide for the buffer body 3, which is also cylindrically shaped. This avoids buckling or any other malfunction during normal use of the buffer.
- the immersion process of the buffer body 3 is additionally guided by the side wall 13. It is also possible to design the area between the outer wall of the buffer body 3 and the inner surface of the side wall 13 in such a way that the side wall 13 exerts a frictional force on the buffer body 3. In this way, an additional damping effect can be achieved during normal operation and an additional absorption of impact energy can take place during an accident.
- Fig. 2 shows a side view of the already in Fig. 1 shown buffer element. It is particularly easy to see how the buffer body 3 from the side wall 13 of the Fastening element 1 is partially overlapped and guided axially. Overall, a compact design is implemented. There is no risk of entrapment for the user or operating personnel, since the buffer 2 or the buffer body 3 is shielded by the fastening element 1. Furthermore, it can be clearly seen that the foot 7, which is used for fastening to a movable or load-bearing part, is split up into a plurality of axially subdivided segments 8. The segments 8 have a collar 9 as a barb.
- FIG. 13 shows a perspective illustration of the buffer element from FIG Fig. 1 and 2 . It can be seen that the foot 7 extends into the fastening element 1. Furthermore, the foot 7 is provided with an axial passage which has an internal thread. This is used to define and adjust the height of the connecting element of the buffer.
- Fig. 4 shows a sectional side view of a first preferred embodiment of the buffer element according to the invention. This embodiment is characterized by a particularly high load absorption and the possibility of a particularly secure locking of the height adjustment of the buffer 2 in relation to the fastening element 1.
- the fastening element 1 has a cylindrical shape on the side facing the buffer 2.
- the cylindrical section has an external thread into which the buffer 2 engages rotatably.
- the buffer 2 comprises a sleeve 14 in the lower area, which has a corresponding internal thread.
- the buffer 2 is still formed by a connecting element 4 which has the shape of a shaft 5.
- the shaft 5 and the plate-like section above it, into which the shaft 5 merges, are made of hard plastic. This increases both the absorption of force and improves the reliability of the locking of the height adjustment.
- the buffer body 3 which is made of soft plastic material, is arranged above the plate-like section of the connecting element 4. This provides a soft and gentle stop for the moving part.
- the shaft 5 runs within the fastening element 1 in an inner bore.
- This inner bore can be provided with an undersize compared to the shaft 5 in order to achieve a defined clamping force.
- the sleeve 14 is placed with its internal thread on the external thread of the side wall 13 and screwed. At the same time, the shaft 5 dips into the inner bore of the fastening element 1.
- a securing ring 15 is actuated, by means of which the position of the buffer 2 in relation to the fastening element 1 can be locked.
- the securing ring 15 is supported upward against the buffer body 3 and acts on the sleeve 14. This allows the internal thread of the sleeve 14 to be braced relative to the external thread of the side wall 13.
- Optical markings are provided (not shown) to indicate the locking position.
- the locking position on the sleeve 14 is color-coded. If the position of the buffer 2 is locked, the colored marking is covered. It is possible to grasp the locking position with a gauge with electronic release.
- the thread pairing between the side wall 13 and the sleeve 14 has predetermined breaking points. If a defined maximum load is exceeded, the thread pairing fails, so that the buffer 2 can dip into the fastening element 1. A clamping force between the shaft 5 and the fastening element 1 counteracts the immersion process in a particularly advantageous manner, so that a controlled destruction can take place in response to impact energy.
- FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the buffer element from FIG Fig. 4 . It can be clearly seen here that the buffer body 3 has a tool engagement on the top. Furthermore, markings are provided both on the upper side of the buffer body 3 and on the base plate of the fastening element 1 in order to facilitate the fine adjustment of the height of the buffer 2.
- Fig. 6 shows a sectional side view of a second preferred embodiment of the buffer element according to the invention.
- This development corresponds by and large to the embodiment from FIGS Figures 4 and 5 .
- the buffer body 3 and the connecting element 4 (shaft 5) formed in one piece. Therefore, in this embodiment, the shaft 5 is also made of a soft plastic material. This reduces the tool costs and facilitates the introduction of the shaft 5 into the fastening element 1. Furthermore, the damping effect of the buffer element is further improved.
- the guidance of the shaft 5 in the fastening element 1 and the locking of the buffer 2 may possibly be more difficult in comparison to the aforementioned embodiment.
- the choice of the preferred embodiment depends on the boundary conditions of the installation and can therefore vary.
- Fig. 7 finally shows a perspective view of the buffer element from Fig. 6 . In doing so, in order to avoid repetition, the explanations relating to Fig. 5 referenced.
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Pufferelement zur Verwendung als Anschlag für ein bewegliches Teil, insbesondere eine Front- oder Heckhaube eines Kraftfahrzeugs, an einem tragenden Teil, insbesondere einer Karosserie.The invention relates to a buffer element for use as a stop for a movable part, in particular a front or rear hood of a motor vehicle, on a load-bearing part, in particular a body.
Derartige Pufferelemente sind insbesondere aus dem Automobilbau bekannt. Sie werden dort dazu verwendet, um eine Motorhaube dämpfend gegen eine Karosserie abzustützen. Die Motorhaube kann dabei sowohl als Front- als auch als Heckhaube ausgestaltet sein, nämlich je nach Position des Motors im Fahrzeug. Des Weiteren werden genannte Pufferelemente bspw. zur dämpfenden Abstützung von Kofferraumdeckeln eingesetzt.Such buffer elements are known in particular from automotive engineering. They are used there to support a bonnet against a body with a dampening effect. The engine hood can be designed both as a front and a rear hood, namely depending on the position of the engine in the vehicle. Furthermore, the mentioned buffer elements are used, for example, for the damping support of trunk lids.
Das Pufferelement soll im Allgemeinen Geräuschentwicklungen und Beschädigungen durch ein Aneinanderschlagen der aneinander gelagerten Teile verhindern. Des Weiteren werden derartige Pufferelemente zum Ausgleich von Karosserietoleranzen verwendet. Dazu können die Pufferelemente verstellbar ausgestaltet sein.The buffer element is generally intended to prevent the development of noise and damage caused by the parts resting against one another. Furthermore, such buffer elements are used to compensate for body tolerances. For this purpose, the buffer elements can be designed to be adjustable.
Höhenverstellbare Pufferelement sind beispielsweise aus der
Ein weiteres höhenverstellbares Pufferelement ist bspw. aus der
Das bekannte Pufferelement ist jedoch in mehrerlei Hinsicht nachteilig. Zum einen wird die Höheneinstellung des Elements in der verschwenkten Position des Gewindebolzens vorgenommen. Es ist jedoch nicht gewährleistet, dass der in die Betriebsposition zurückverschwenkte Gewindebolzen das aufzunehmende Karosserieteil auf genau derselben Höhe hält wie der verschwenkte Bolzen. Die Höheneinstellung ist damit fehleranfällig.However, the known buffer element is disadvantageous in several respects. On the one hand, the height adjustment of the element is carried out in the pivoted position of the threaded bolt. However, it is not guaranteed that the threaded bolt pivoted back into the operating position holds the body part to be picked up at exactly the same height as the pivoted bolt. The height adjustment is therefore prone to errors.
Des Weiteren liegt das zu lagernde Karosserieteil direkt auf dem Gewindebolzen auf, der üblicherweise aus Metall besteht. Dadurch können Klappergeräusche und Beschädigungen entstehen.Furthermore, the body part to be stored rests directly on the threaded bolt, which is usually made of metal. This can cause rattling noises and damage.
Schließlich besteht die Gefahr, dass der Gewindebolzen während des Betriebs, bspw. während einer Autofahrt, aufgrund unvorhergesehener Krafteinwirkungen plötzlich ausklinkt und die in die verschwenkte Einstellposition zurückfällt. Dadurch können Beschädigungen und eine ernsthafte Beeinträchtigung des Fahrbetriebs entstehen.Finally, there is the risk that the threaded bolt will suddenly disengage during operation, for example while driving a car, due to unforeseen forces, and that it will fall back into the pivoted setting position. This can cause damage and serious impairment of driving operations.
Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Pufferelement anzugeben, bei dem eine einfache Montage und ein sicherer Betrieb bei gleichzeitig verbesserter Funktion realisiert ist.The present invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a buffer element in which simple assembly and reliable operation are achieved with simultaneously improved functionality.
Diese Aufgabe ist mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved with the features of
Erfindungsgemäß ist zunächst erkannt worden, dass ein an einem tragenden oder an einem beweglichen Teil festlegbares Pufferelement eine größtmögliche Vielseitigkeit bei der Montage erlaubt. Der Fachmann wird das Pufferelement im Allgemeinen an einem tragenden, feststehenden Teil anbringen, um die Masse des beweglichen Teils nicht weiter zu erhöhen. Es existieren jedoch Anwendungsfälle, bei denen aufgrund konstruktiver Zwänge die entgegengesetzte Lösung realisiert werden muss.According to the invention, it was first recognized that a buffer element that can be fixed to a load-bearing or a movable part allows the greatest possible versatility during assembly. The person skilled in the art will generally attach the buffer element to a load-bearing, fixed part in order not to increase the mass of the movable part any further. However, there are applications in which the opposite solution has to be implemented due to design constraints.
In erfindungsgemäßer Weise sind die Befestigung und die Pufferwirkung des Pufferelements voneinander getrennt. Das erfindungsgemäße Pufferelement wird mit einem Befestigungselement an einem tragenden oder beweglichen Teil festgelegt. Der Puffer ist von dem Befestigungselement beabstandet, wird aber mittelbar oder unmittelbar von diesem gehalten. Dadurch sind einerseits eine sichere Festlegung und andererseits eine optimale Pufferwirkung erreicht. Der Puffer wirkt dort, wo die dämpfende Eigenschaft benötigt wird, nämlich unmittelbar an dem Teil, für welches er als Anschlag dient. Eine Beschädigung oder Geräuschentwicklung aufgrund einer unpräzisen Einstellung des Pufferelements ist damit wirksam vermieden. Des Weiteren ist die Montage des erfindungsgemäßen Pufferelements aufgrund der Aufspaltung in Puffer und Befestigungselement deutlich vereinfacht.In a manner according to the invention, the attachment and the buffer effect of the buffer element are separated from one another. The buffer element according to the invention is fixed with a fastening element on a load-bearing or movable part. The buffer is at a distance from the fastening element, but is held indirectly or directly by the latter. As a result, on the one hand, a secure definition and, on the other hand, an optimal buffer effect are achieved. The buffer acts where the damping property is required, namely directly on the part for which it serves as a stop. Damage or the development of noise due to imprecise adjustment of the buffer element is thus effectively avoided. Furthermore, the assembly of the buffer element according to the invention is significantly simplified due to the division into buffer and fastening element.
Schließlich ist der Puffer in Bezug auf das Befestigungselement höhenverstellbar. Dadurch lassen sich Karosserietoleranzen besonders einfach ausgleichen. Da der Puffer eine selbständige Einheit des erfindungsgemäßen Pufferelements bildet, kann eine besonders präzise Einstellbarkeit realisiert werden. Des Weiteren kann der Puffer in Bezug auf das Befestigungselement so geführt sein, dass auf eine "Einstellposition" verzichtet werden kann. Demnach kann das erfindungsgemäße Pufferelement auch nicht während des Betriebs versehentlich in eine solche Einstellposition ausklinken.Finally, the buffer is adjustable in height with respect to the fastening element. This makes it particularly easy to compensate for body tolerances. Since the buffer forms an independent unit of the buffer element according to the invention, a particularly precise adjustability can be realized. Furthermore, the buffer can be guided in relation to the fastening element in such a way that an “adjustment position” can be dispensed with. Accordingly, the buffer element according to the invention cannot inadvertently disengage into such an adjustment position during operation.
Folglich ist ein Pufferelement angegeben, bei dem eine einfache Montage und ein sicherer Betrieb bei gleichzeitig verbesserter Funktion realisiert ist.As a result, a buffer element is specified in which simple assembly and reliable operation are achieved with improved functionality at the same time.
Der Puffer innerhalb des erfindungsgemäßen Pufferelements kann eine zylindrische oder eine mehr- oder vieleckige Seitenwand aufweisen. Eine zylindrische Seitenwand kann vorteilhaft sein, falls für den Puffer eine außenliegende axiale Führung vorgesehen ist. Auf eine solche Ausführungsform wird im Folgenden noch detailliert eingegangen. Eine mehr- oder vieleckige Seitenwand ist von Vorteil, falls die Höhenverstellbarkeit des Puffers in Bezug auf das Befestigungselement durch Drehen bzw. Schrauben des Puffers bewerkstelligt wird. Dabei kann eine mehr- oder vieleckige Seitenwand einen erleichterten Eingriff mit der Hand oder mit geeignetem Werkzeug bereitstellen.The buffer within the buffer element according to the invention can have a cylindrical or a polygonal or polygonal side wall. A cylindrical side wall can be advantageous if an external axial guide is provided for the buffer. Such an embodiment will be discussed in detail below. A polygonal or polygonal side wall is advantageous if the height adjustability of the buffer in relation to the fastening element is achieved by turning or screwing the buffer. A polygonal or polygonal side wall can provide easier access by hand or with a suitable tool.
Es wird eine Ausführungsform bevorzugt, bei der der Puffer ein weiches Kunststoffmaterial, insbesondere ein thermoplastisches Elastomer, oder Gummi aufweist. So kann der Puffer eine optimale Dämpfungswirkung bereitstellen. Eine Beschädigung des durch den Puffer kontaktierten, beweglichen Teils oder die Entstehung von Klappergeräuschen ist wirksam verhindert.An embodiment is preferred in which the buffer comprises a soft plastic material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer, or rubber. In this way, the buffer can provide an optimal damping effect. Damage to the moving part contacted by the buffer or the generation of rattling noises is effectively prevented.
Im Allgemeinen wird bevorzugt, dass der Puffer in Bezug auf das Befestigungselement verschiebbar und/oder ein- und/oder ausschraubbar und ggf. arretierbar ist. Bei einer solchen Ausführungsform lässt sich in besonders einfacher Weise eine Höhenverstellbarkeit des Puffers in Bezug auf das Befestigungselement realisieren. Durch eine optionale Arretierbarkeit der Position des Puffers in Bezug auf das Befestigungselement ist des Weiteren eine ungewollte Veränderung der Höheneinstellung vermieden. Zusätzlich wird ein ungewolltes Lösen des Puffers vom Befestigungselement noch unwahrscheinlicher. Damit ist insbesondere beim Einsatz in Kraftfahrzeugen eine maximale Sicherheit des erfindungsgemäßen Pufferelements verwirklicht.In general, it is preferred that the buffer can be displaced and / or screwed in and / or screwed out and, if necessary, locked in relation to the fastening element. In such an embodiment, a height adjustability of the buffer with respect to the fastening element can be realized in a particularly simple manner. An optional lockable position of the buffer in relation to the fastening element also avoids an unintentional change in the height setting. In addition, there is an unintentional loosening of the buffer from the fastening element even more unlikely. In this way, maximum security of the buffer element according to the invention is achieved, particularly when used in motor vehicles.
Die dem Befestigungselement zugewandte Seitenwand des Puffers ist zumindest teilweise von einer Hülse gebildet. Dabei weist die Hülse ein Innengewinde auf. Dadurch wird eine Ausführungsform realisiert, bei der der Puffer mit seiner Seitenwand in vorgenannter Weise in das Befestigungselement eingreift (insbesondere in ein im Befestigungselement vorgesehenes Gewinde), kann ein Pufferelement mit besonders großer Kraftaufnahme und damit erhöhter Stabilität bereitgestellt werden. Alternativ kann die Seitenwand des Puffers ohne Gewinde ausgestaltet sein, so dass eine in geeigneter Weise geformte Hülse des Befestigungselements lediglich eine axiale Führung des Puffers bereitstellen kann. Diese axiale Führung kann sowohl auf der Außen- als auch auf der Innenseite der Hülse des Puffers realisiert werden.The side wall of the buffer facing the fastening element is at least partially formed by a sleeve. The sleeve has an internal thread. This realizes an embodiment in which the buffer engages with its side wall in the aforementioned manner in the fastening element (in particular in a thread provided in the fastening element), a buffer element with particularly high force absorption and thus increased stability can be provided. Alternatively, the side wall of the buffer can be designed without a thread, so that a suitably shaped sleeve of the fastening element can only provide axial guidance for the buffer. This axial guidance can be implemented both on the outside and on the inside of the sleeve of the buffer.
In einer besonders bevorzugten Weiterbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Pufferelements weist der Übergangsbereich zwischen dem Puffer und dem Befestigungselement eine oder mehrere Sollbruchstellen auf, nach deren Zerstörung der Puffer in Richtung des Befestigungselements bewegbar ist. Diese Ausführungsform ist besonders vorteilhaft im Hinblick auf den Fußgängerschutz beim Einsatz in Kraftfahrzeug-Fronthauben. Der Übergangsbereich kann dabei so ausgelegt sein, dass beim Auftreffen eines Fußgängers auf die Fronthaube ein Schwellenwert der auf den Puffer wirkenden Kraft überschritten wird. Die Sollbruchstelle wird zerstört, so dass für den Puffer der maximal mögliche Weg freigegeben wird, um sich unter Verbrauch von Aufprallenergie bis auf das Befestigungselement zu bewegen. Die auf einen verunglückten Fußgänger einwirkende Kraft ist damit auf das technisch mögliche Minimum reduziert.In a particularly preferred development of the buffer element according to the invention, the transition area between the buffer and the fastening element has one or more predetermined breaking points, after the destruction of which the buffer can be moved in the direction of the fastening element. This embodiment is particularly advantageous with regard to pedestrian protection when used in motor vehicle front hoods. The transition area can be designed in such a way that when a pedestrian hits the front hood, a threshold value for the force acting on the buffer is exceeded. The predetermined breaking point is destroyed, so that the maximum possible path is released for the buffer to move down to the fastening element while consuming impact energy. The force acting on an injured pedestrian is thus reduced to the technically possible minimum.
Der Puffer weist weiter einen dem Befestigungselement abgewandten Pufferkörper und ein dem Befestigungselement zugewandtes Verbindungselement auf. Dabei ist der erfindungsgemäße Gedanke der Trennung von Befestigung und Pufferwirkung konsequent weiterentwickelt. Der Pufferkörper kann mit besonders vorteilhaften Dämpfungseigenschaften versehen werden. Das Verbindungselement hingegen kann in geeigneter Weise mit dem Befestigungselement korrespondieren, um nämlich insgesamt ein technisch besonders vorteilhaftes Halten bzw. eine besonders vorteilhafte Lagerung des Puffers zu erzielen.The buffer also has a buffer body facing away from the fastening element and a connecting element facing the fastening element. The idea according to the invention of separating the fastening and the buffer effect is consequently further developed. The buffer body can be provided with particularly advantageous damping properties. The connecting element, on the other hand, can correspond in a suitable manner to the fastening element namely to achieve overall a technically particularly advantageous holding or particularly advantageous storage of the buffer.
Dazu kann das Verbindungselement aus einem harten Kunststoffmaterial, insbesondere aus Polyamid und/oder Polyoxymethylen, gefertigt sein. Ein aus solchem Material hergestelltes Verbindungselement ist besonders geeignet, um innerhalb eines Befestigungselements in geeigneter Weise eingespannt oder durch zusätzliche Elemente wie Schrauben, Klammern, etc. gehalten zu werden.For this purpose, the connecting element can be made from a hard plastic material, in particular from polyamide and / or polyoxymethylene. A connecting element made from such a material is particularly suitable to be clamped in a suitable manner within a fastening element or to be held by additional elements such as screws, clamps, etc.
Der Pufferkörper und das Verbindungselement können dabei integral ausgeformt sein, können also mit anderen Worten aus einem zusammenhängenden Teil bestehen.The buffer body and the connecting element can be formed integrally, in other words can consist of a coherent part.
Insbesondere für den Fall, dass für den Pufferkörper und das Verbindungselement verschiedene Materialien vorgesehen sind, kann es jedoch vorteilhaft erscheinen, diese getrennt anzufertigen und danach in geeigneter Weise zusammenzufügen. Sofern sowohl Pufferkörper als auch Verbindungselement aus Kunststoff bestehen, können diese bspw. verschweißt oder verklebt werden. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann eine Nagel-, Schraub- oder Nietverbindung vorgesehen werden.In particular in the event that different materials are provided for the buffer body and the connecting element, however, it may appear advantageous to produce them separately and then to join them together in a suitable manner. If both the buffer body and the connecting element are made of plastic, they can be welded or glued, for example. Additionally or alternatively, a nail, screw or rivet connection can be provided.
In Bezug auf die vorgenannten Ausführungsformen der Erfindung wird eine Ausgestaltung bevorzugt, bei der der Übergangsbereich zwischen dem Pufferkörper und dem Verbindungselement als Federelement, insbesondere als Membran, ausgestaltet ist. Ein solches Federelement kann zusätzlich zu dem Pufferkörper eine weitere vorteilhafte Dämpfungswirkung bereitstellen. Das Federelement kann so ausgestaltet sein, dass die Rückstellkraft einer progressiven Kennlinie folgt. Je nach der für den vorgesehenen Einsatzfall üblichen Kraftbeaufschlagung kann das Federelement mit einem großen oder mit einem geringen Federweg konzipiert werden.With regard to the aforementioned embodiments of the invention, a configuration is preferred in which the transition area between the buffer body and the connecting element is designed as a spring element, in particular as a membrane. Such a spring element can provide a further advantageous damping effect in addition to the buffer body. The spring element can be designed in such a way that the restoring force follows a progressive characteristic curve. Depending on the usual application of force for the intended application, the spring element can be designed with a large or with a small spring deflection.
In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Pufferelements weist der Übergangsbereich zwischen dem Pufferkörper und dem Verbindungselement zumindest eine Sollbruchstelle auf, nach deren Zerstörung der Pufferkörper in Richtung des Befestigungselements bewegbar ist. Dabei wird ausdrücklich Bezug genommen auf die bereits genannte Ausführungsform, welche besondere Vorteile im Hinblick auf einen verbesserten Fußgängerschutz bietet.In an advantageous development of the buffer element according to the invention, the transition area between the buffer body and the connecting element has at least one predetermined breaking point, after which the buffer body can be moved in the direction of the fastening element after its destruction. Express reference is made to the embodiment already mentioned, which offers particular advantages with regard to improved pedestrian protection.
In diesem Zusammenhang wird eine Ausführung bevorzugt, bei der der Übergangsbereich so ausgestaltet ist, dass der auf die Zerstörung der Sollbruchstelle folgenden Bewegung des Pufferkörpers in Richtung des Befestigungselements eine Reibkraft entgegenwirkt. Dazu kann das Befestigungselement so ausgestaltet sein, dass für diesen Fall eine Führung für ein Verbindungselement vorgesehen ist, wobei während der Bewegung eine Reibkraft auf das Verbindungselement ausgeübt wird. Dazu kann das Verbindungselement ein geringes Übermaß gegenüber einer solchen Führung aufweisen. Des Weiteren kann die Führung einen sich verjüngenden Querschnitt aufweisen, so dass die entgegengerichtete Reibkraft mit einer größer werdenden Eintauchtiefe des Verbindungselements anwächst. Diese Maßnahmen dienen dazu, die negativen Folgen für einen verunglückten Fußgänger möglichst weit einzudämmen.In this context, an embodiment is preferred in which the transition area is designed in such a way that the movement of the buffer body in the direction of the fastening element following the destruction of the predetermined breaking point counteracts a frictional force. For this purpose, the fastening element can be designed in such a way that a guide for a connecting element is provided for this case, a frictional force being exerted on the connecting element during the movement. For this purpose, the connecting element can have a slight oversize compared to such a guide. Furthermore, the guide can have a tapering cross section, so that the opposing frictional force increases with an increasing immersion depth of the connecting element. These measures serve to contain the negative consequences for an injured pedestrian as much as possible.
Sofern für das erfindungsgemäße Pufferelement ein vorgeschlagenes Verbindungselement realisiert wird, kann dieses zur Befestigung und zur Höheneinstellung kraft-und/oder formschlüssig in das Befestigungselement eingreifen, wobei die Lage des Verbindungselements in Bezug auf das Befestigungselement einstellbar und ggf. arretierbar ist.If a proposed connection element is implemented for the buffer element according to the invention, it can engage in the fastening element in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner for fastening and height adjustment, the position of the connection element in relation to the fastening element being adjustable and possibly lockable.
Das Verbindungselement kann als ein Schaft ausgeformt sein. Mit solch einem Schaft lässt sich ein Pufferkörper besonders einfach von dem Befestigungselement beabstanden. Andererseits lässt sich ein Schaft sicher und auch höhenverstellbar in einem Befestigungselement festlegen.The connecting element can be shaped as a shaft. With such a shaft, a buffer body can be spaced apart from the fastening element in a particularly simple manner. On the other hand, a shaft can be fixed securely and also in a height-adjustable manner in a fastening element.
Dazu kann der Schaft eine zylindrische Außenfläche und ggf. ein Außengewinde aufweisen. So kann der Schaft in eine geeignete Öffnung bzw. Bohrung im Befestigungselement eingeführt werden. Der Schaft kann daraufhin durch geeignete Mittel in der Öffnung des Befestigungselements verspannt werden. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann die genannte Öffnung ein Innengewinde aufweisen, in welches das Außengewinde des Schafts eingreifen kann. Dadurch kann sowohl eine sichere Festlegung des Schafts als auch eine besonders präzise Höhenverstellbarkeit des gesamten Puffers erreicht werden.For this purpose, the shaft can have a cylindrical outer surface and, if necessary, an external thread. In this way, the shaft can be inserted into a suitable opening or bore in the fastening element. The shaft can then be braced in the opening of the fastening element by suitable means. As an alternative or in addition, said opening can have an internal thread into which the external thread of the shaft can engage. As a result, both a secure fixing of the shaft and a particularly precise height adjustment of the entire buffer can be achieved.
Dabei ist eine Ausführungsform besonders bevorzugt, bei der der Schaft als Hülse ausgeformt ist, demnach eine Innenbohrung aufweist, und die Innenbohrung ggf. ein Innengewinde aufweist. Über die Innenbohrung kann der Schaft von innen gegen ein oder mehrere geeignete Gegenstücke des Befestigungselements verspannt werden, so dass eine sichere Festlegung des Schafts realisiert ist.An embodiment is particularly preferred in which the shaft is shaped as a sleeve, accordingly has an inner bore, and the inner bore, if necessary, is has an internal thread. The shaft can be braced from the inside against one or more suitable counterparts of the fastening element via the inner bore, so that the shaft can be securely fixed.
Dazu kann ein Stift vorgesehen werden, der in den Schaft eindrückbar bzw. einschraubbar ist. Dieser Stift dient demnach als Spannelement, der den Schaft von innen aufweitet, wodurch dieser gegen das Befestigungselement verspannt wird. Der Stift kann dabei ein Außengewinde aufweisen, das mit einem geeigneten Innengewinde der Bohrung innerhalb des Schafts korrespondieren kann. Der Stift kann so ausgelegt sein, dass er trotz der vorhandenen Verzahnung in den Schaft eindrückbar ist. Zum Entfernen des Stifts kann dieser dann unter Nutzung der Verzahnung herausgedreht werden. Dabei wird bevorzugt, dass die zum Eindrücken des Stifts in den Schaft erforderliche Kraft den Betrag derjenigen Kraft unterschreitet, die zum Eindrücken des Schafts in das Befestigungselement erforderlich ist. Dadurch wird vermieden, dass beim Eindrücken des Stifts in den Schaft die Höheneinstellung des Puffers in Bezug auf das Befestigungselement verändert wird.For this purpose, a pin can be provided which can be pressed or screwed into the shaft. This pin therefore serves as a tensioning element which expands the shaft from the inside, as a result of which it is tensioned against the fastening element. The pin can have an external thread which can correspond to a suitable internal thread of the bore inside the shaft. The pin can be designed in such a way that it can be pressed into the shaft despite the toothing present. To remove the pin, it can then be unscrewed using the toothing. It is preferred here that the force required to press the pin into the shaft is less than the amount of the force that is required to press the shaft into the fastening element. This avoids changing the height setting of the buffer in relation to the fastening element when the pin is pressed into the shaft.
Der Stift kann im vorderen Bereich eine Verdickung aufweisen, um den Schaft im Bereich des Eingriffs durch das Befestigungselement besonders stark aufzuweiten.The pin can have a thickening in the front area in order to widen the shaft particularly strongly in the area of engagement by the fastening element.
Das Befestigungselement weist eine zylindrische Seitenwand auf. Die Seitenwand kann sich dabei über die Unterkante des Puffers hinaus nach oben erstrecken, so dass der untere Bereich des Puffers von der Seitenwand des Befestigungselements verdeckt wird. Mit anderen Worten kann der Puffer zumindest teilweise in das Befestigungselement eintauchen. Das Befestigungselement kann demnach im Wesentlichen die Form einer Hülse annehmen, die den Puffer teilweise überlappt.The fastening element has a cylindrical side wall. The side wall can extend upwards beyond the lower edge of the buffer so that the lower area of the buffer is covered by the side wall of the fastening element. In other words, the buffer can at least partially dip into the fastening element. The fastening element can therefore essentially take the form of a sleeve which partially overlaps the buffer.
In diesem Zusammenhang ist eine Ausgestaltung besonders bevorzugt, bei der die Innenfläche der Seitenwand des Befestigungselements eine axiale Führung des Puffers bereitstellt. Dabei ist der Puffer nicht nur im Befestigungselement gehalten bzw. verankert, bspw. über ein Verbindungselement, sondern es erfolgt eine zusätzliche Stabilisierung der Lage des Puffers durch die Seitenwand des Befestigungselements. Dadurch wird ein Ausknicken des Puffers oder sonstige Fehlfunktionen wirksam vermieden.In this context, an embodiment is particularly preferred in which the inner surface of the side wall of the fastening element provides axial guidance for the buffer. The buffer is not only held or anchored in the fastening element, for example via a connecting element, but the position of the buffer is additionally stabilized by the side wall of the fastening element. This effectively prevents the buffer from buckling or other malfunctions.
In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Weiterbildung übt die Innenfläche der Seitenwand eine Reib- und/oder eine Klemmkraft auf den Puffer aus. Dabei steht die Innenfläche der Seitenwand des Befestigungselements in Kontakt mit der Seitenwand des Puffers. Dies lässt sich bspw. dadurch bewerkstelligen, dass der Puffer gegenüber der durch die Seitenwand des Befestigungselements umschriebenen Öffnung ein geringes Übermaß aufweist. Dadurch wird der Puffer an der Seitenwand geklemmt und lässt sich nur unter Kraftaufwand axial bewegen. Damit wird neben der Dämpfungswirkung durch den Puffer bzw. den Pufferkörper eine zusätzliche Dämpfung bereitgestellt. In besonders vorteilhafter Weise kann wie vorstehend beschrieben zusätzlich ein Federelement zum Einsatz kommen. Des Weiteren ist möglich, dass sich die durch das Befestigungselement umschriebene Öffnung für den Puffer nach unten verjüngt, so dass die Klemmkraft je nach Eintauchtiefe des Puffers ansteigt. So kann ein Durchschlagen des Puffers auf das Befestigungselement selbst dann vermieden werden, wenn - wie obenstehend beschrieben - eine Sollbruchstelle im Hinblick auf einen verbesserten Fußgängerschutz vorgesehen ist. So kann die Krafteinwirkung auf einen verunglückten Fußgänger noch weiter verringert werden.In a further advantageous development, the inner surface of the side wall exerts a frictional and / or a clamping force on the buffer. The inner surface of the side wall of the fastening element is in contact with the side wall of the buffer. This can be achieved, for example, in that the buffer is slightly oversized in relation to the opening circumscribed by the side wall of the fastening element. As a result, the buffer is clamped to the side wall and can only be moved axially with the use of force. In addition to the damping effect, additional damping is thus provided by the buffer or the buffer body. As described above, a spring element can also be used in a particularly advantageous manner. Furthermore, it is possible that the opening for the buffer circumscribed by the fastening element tapers downwards, so that the clamping force increases depending on the depth of immersion of the buffer. In this way, penetration of the buffer onto the fastening element can be avoided even if - as described above - a predetermined breaking point is provided with a view to improved pedestrian protection. In this way, the force applied to an injured pedestrian can be reduced even further.
Die Seitenwand des Befestigungselements weist ein Außengewinde auf. In ein solches Gewinde kann nun der Puffer - bspw. mittels einer geeigneten Hülse - drehbar eingreifen. Dabei kann sowohl die Höhenverstellung des Puffers als auch die Kraftübertragung des Pufferkörpers auf das Befestigungselement über die vorgesehene Gewindepaarung erfolgen. Damit lässt sich eine besonders hohe Kraftaufnahme des Puffers und die entsprechende Weiterleitung in das Befestigungselement realisieren. Des Weiteren lässt sich das Gewinde aufgrund des großen Durchmessers besonders sicher arretieren, so dass selbst hohe Verstellkräfte nicht zu einer Veränderung der Höheneinstellung des Puffers führen können.The side wall of the fastening element has an external thread. The buffer can now engage rotatably in such a thread, for example by means of a suitable sleeve. Both the height adjustment of the buffer and the transmission of force from the buffer body to the fastening element can take place via the thread pairing provided. A particularly high force absorption of the buffer and the corresponding transmission into the fastening element can thus be achieved. Furthermore, due to the large diameter, the thread can be locked particularly securely, so that even high adjustment forces cannot lead to a change in the height setting of the buffer.
Zur Arretierung der Position des Puffers in Bezug auf das Außengewinde der Seitenwand ist ein Sicherungsring vorgesehen. Dieser Sicherungsring kann ganz allgemein so ausgelegt sein, dass eine Verspannung des Puffers gegenüber dem Gewinde des Befestigungselements herbeiführbar ist. Damit lässt sich neben einer besonders feinen Höheneinstellung auch eine sichere Arretierung der Position des Puffers erreichen.A locking ring is provided to lock the position of the buffer in relation to the external thread of the side wall. This locking ring can be designed quite generally in such a way that the buffer can be braced with respect to the thread of the fastening element. In addition to a particularly fine height adjustment, this also enables the position of the buffer to be locked securely.
Der Sicherungsring kann ein Innengewinde aufweisen, das in ein Außengewinde einer Hülse des Puffers oder in ein Außengewinde der Seitenwand des Befestigungselements eingreift. Bspw. kann die Hülse des Puffers gegen das Gewinde der Seitenwand des Befestigungselements verspannt werden, indem sich der Sicherungsring gegen den Pufferkörper abstützt. Alternativ kann der Sicherungsring direkt in das Gewinde des Befestigungselements eingreifen und ein korrespondierendes Gewinde des Puffers gegen dieses verspannen.The locking ring can have an internal thread which engages in an external thread of a sleeve of the buffer or in an external thread of the side wall of the fastening element. For example, the sleeve of the buffer can be braced against the thread of the side wall of the fastening element in that the securing ring is supported against the buffer body. Alternatively, the locking ring can engage directly in the thread of the fastening element and brace a corresponding thread of the buffer against it.
In besonders bevorzugter Weise sind optische und/oder haptische Markierungen der Arretierungsstellung vorgesehen, so dass dem Bedienpersonal im Zusammenhang mit der Betätigung des Sicherungsrings jederzeit automatisch die vorhandene oder nicht vorhandene Arretierung der Position des Puffers angezeigt wird. Dadurch sind Fehlbedienungen und Unfälle während der Einstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Pufferelements ausgeschlossen.In a particularly preferred manner, optical and / or haptic markings of the locking position are provided, so that the operating personnel is automatically displayed at any time in connection with the actuation of the locking ring, whether or not the locking position of the buffer is present or not. This prevents incorrect operations and accidents during the adjustment of the buffer element according to the invention.
In einer weiteren Ausführungsform weist das Befestigungselement eine zentral angeordnete Spannvorrichtung zur Aufnahme des Puffers oder eines dem Puffer zugeordneten Verbindungselements auf. Dabei kann es sich insbesondere um einen Federteller handeln. Diese Spannvorrichtung kann den Puffer oder ein geeignetes Verbindungselement aufnehmen und mittels einer Klemmkraft halten. Ein Federteller weist dabei den Vorteil auf, dass eine zusätzliche Federwirkung für den Puffer bereitgestellt wird. Des Weiteren kann der Puffer geringe seitliche Auslenkungen vollziehen, ohne dass eine Beschädigung der Teile zu befürchten ist.In a further embodiment, the fastening element has a centrally arranged tensioning device for receiving the buffer or a connecting element assigned to the buffer. This can in particular be a spring plate. This clamping device can accommodate the buffer or a suitable connecting element and hold it by means of a clamping force. A spring plate has the advantage that an additional spring effect is provided for the buffer. Furthermore, the buffer can move slightly to the side without fear of damaging the parts.
In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung weist das Befestigungselement an der Unterseite einen Fuß auf, der in der Öffnung eines aufnehmenden Teils, insbesondere in einem Ausschnitt oder in einer Bohrung eines Blechs, festlegbar ist. Bei dem aufnehmenden Teil kann es sich dabei um die Karosserie eines Kraftfahrzeugs handeln. Hierbei ist es besonders praktikabel, den entsprechenden Karosserieabschnitt mit einer Bohrung zu versehen, in die ein solcher Fuß einsetzbar ist. Dabei kann der Fuß so ausgestaltet werden, dass er sich auf der Rückseite der Bohrung aufweitet und so ein Herausziehen des Fußes verhindert wird.In an advantageous development, the fastening element has a foot on the underside which can be fixed in the opening of a receiving part, in particular in a cutout or in a hole in a sheet metal. The receiving part can be the body of a motor vehicle. It is particularly practical here to provide the corresponding body section with a bore into which such a foot can be inserted. The foot can be designed in such a way that it expands on the back of the bore and thus prevents the foot from being pulled out.
Der Fuß kann eine runde oder eine mehr- oder vieleckige Form aufweisen. Dies kann insbesondere von der Form der vorgesehenen Öffnung eines aufnehmenden Teils abhängig gemacht werden.The foot can have a round or a polygonal or polygonal shape. This can in particular be made dependent on the shape of the intended opening of a receiving part.
Bevorzugt weist der Fuß eine Hinterschneidung auf. Die Hinterschneidung kann in eine geeignete Bohrung eingreifen und als Widerhaken wirken.The foot preferably has an undercut. The undercut can engage in a suitable bore and act as a barb.
Dabei kann der Fuß einen Kragen aufweisen. Ein solcher Kragen stellt eine lokal begrenzte Vergrößerung des Außendurchmessers des Fußes dar. Der Fuß kann hierzu bspw. eine wulstartige Verdickung aufweisen. Der Kragen verklemmt sich auf der Rückseite der für den Fuß vorgesehenen Öffnung und verhindert ein unbeabsichtigtes Entfernen des Fußes.The foot can have a collar. Such a collar represents a locally limited enlargement of the outer diameter of the foot. For this purpose, the foot can, for example, have a bead-like thickening. The collar clamps on the back of the opening provided for the foot and prevents accidental removal of the foot.
Der Fuß kann axial unterteilte Segmente aufweisen. Dies ist besonders hilfreich, wenn der Durchmesser des Fußes zum Einführen in die vorgesehene Öffnung verringert werden soll. Die Segmente lassen sich dabei in einfacher Weise zusammendrücken, wodurch der Fuß in die vorgesehene Bohrung einführbar ist.The foot can have axially divided segments. This is particularly helpful when the diameter of the foot for insertion into the intended opening is to be reduced. The segments can be pressed together in a simple manner, so that the foot can be inserted into the hole provided.
In einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung des Erfindungsgedankens weist der Fuß einen axialen Durchgang, insbesondere mit einem Innengewinde, zur Aufnahme des Puffers oder eines dem Puffer zugeordneten Verbindungselements auf. Mit anderen Worten verfügt der Fuß in dieser Ausführungsform über eine Innenbohrung, die in vorteilhafter Weise mit einem Innengewinde ausgestattet ist. Dadurch kann die Halterung sowie die Höheneinstellung eines Puffers bzw. eines geeigneten Verbindungselements im Fuß erfolgen. Bspw. kann der Fuß über ein Sägezahn-Innengewinde verfügen. Das mit einem entsprechenden Außengewinde versehene Verbindungselement lässt sich dann in den Fuß hineindrücken und zur exakten Höhenverstellung wieder bis zur gewünschten Höhe ausschrauben. Besonders vorteilhaft ist die Kombination eines mit einem axialen Durchgang versehenen Fußes und eines darüber liegenden Federtellers. Dabei kann der Puffer einerseits sicher gehalten werden, andererseits stellt der Federteller eine vorteilhafte Federwirkung bereit und erlaubt geringe seitliche Auslenkungen des Puffers.In a preferred development of the inventive concept, the foot has an axial passage, in particular with an internal thread, for receiving the buffer or a connecting element assigned to the buffer. In other words, in this embodiment the foot has an internal bore which is advantageously equipped with an internal thread. This allows the holder and the height adjustment of a buffer or a suitable connecting element in the foot. For example, the foot can have a sawtooth internal thread. The connecting element provided with a corresponding external thread can then be pressed into the foot and unscrewed again to the desired height for exact height adjustment. The combination of a foot provided with an axial passage and a spring plate located above it is particularly advantageous. On the one hand, the buffer can be held securely, on the other hand, the spring plate provides an advantageous spring effect and allows small lateral deflections of the buffer.
Es gibt nun verschiedene Möglichkeiten, die Lehre der vorliegenden Erfindung in vorteilhafter Weise auszugestalten und weiterzubilden. Dazu ist einerseits auf die dem Patentanspruch 1 nachgeordneten Patentansprüche und andererseits auf die nachfolgende Erläuterung von zwei bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung zu verweisen. In Verbindung mit der Erläuterung der bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung werden auch im Allgemeinen bevorzugte Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen der Lehre erläutert.There are now various possibilities for designing and developing the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, on the one hand on the claims subordinate to claim 1 and on the other hand on the refer to the following explanation of two preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In connection with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred configurations and developments of the teaching are also explained.
In der Zeichnung zeigen
- Fig. 1
- eine seitliche Schnittdarstellung einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform eines Pufferelements,
- Fig. 2
- eine Seitenansicht des Pufferelements aus
Fig. 1 , - Fig. 3
- eine von schräg unten gesehene perspektivische Darstellung des Pufferelements aus den
Fig. 1 und 2 , - Fig. 4
- eine seitliche Schnittdarstellung einer ersten zur Aufnahme hoher Lasten besonders geeigneten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Pufferelements,
- Fig. 5
- eine perspektivische Darstellung des Pufferelements aus
Fig. 4 , - Fig. 6
- eine seitliche Schnittdarstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Pufferelements, und
- Fig. 7
- eine perspektivische Darstellung des Pufferelements aus
Fig. 6 .
- Fig. 1
- a lateral sectional view of an embodiment of a buffer element not according to the invention,
- Fig. 2
- a side view of the buffer element
Fig. 1 , - Fig. 3
- a perspective view of the buffer element from FIG
Fig. 1 and2 , - Fig. 4
- a lateral sectional view of a first embodiment of the buffer element according to the invention which is particularly suitable for absorbing high loads,
- Fig. 5
- a perspective view of the buffer element
Fig. 4 , - Fig. 6
- a side sectional view of a second embodiment of the buffer element according to the invention, and
- Fig. 7
- a perspective view of the buffer element
Fig. 6 .
Das Verbindungselement 4 ist hier als sich nach unten erstreckender Schaft 5 ausgebildet. Dieser besteht aus einem harten Kunststoffmaterial. Über den Schaft 5 wird der Puffer 2 im Befestigungselement gehalten, wobei eine Höhenverstellbarkeit ermöglicht ist. Zur Lagerung des Schafts 5 ist im unteren Bereich des Befestigungselements 1 ein Federteller 6 ausgebildet. Durch den Federteller 6 wird der Schaft 5 spielfrei verspannt.The connecting element 4 is designed here as a shaft 5 extending downward. This consists of a hard plastic material. The
Schließlich ist an der Unterseite des Befestigungselements 1 ein Fuß 7 vorgesehen, der sich in axialer Richtung unterhalb des Befestigungselements 1 erstreckt. Der Fuß 7 dient zunächst zur Festlegung des Befestigungselements 1 und damit des gesamten Pufferelements an einem tragenden oder beweglichen Teil. Dazu ist der Fuß 7 in eine Öffnung, insbesondere in eine Bohrung, eines aufnehmenden Teils eindrückbar. Der Fuß 7 weist axial unterteilte Segmente 8 auf. Die Segmente 8 weisen im unteren Bereich eine Verdickung, nämlich einen Kragen 9 auf. Durch eine konische Endpartie der Segmente 8 werden diese beim Eindrücken in eine Öffnung bzw. Bohrung zusammengepresst, wodurch der Kragen 9 die Öffnung passieren kann. Nach dem Passieren der Öffnung weitet sich der Fuß 7 wieder auf, wodurch der Kragen 9 als Widerhaken wirkt und ein Entfernen des Fußes 7 verhindert. Die zwischen dem Kragen 9 und dem Befestigungselement 1 angeordnete Partie des Fußes 7 ist als Hinterschneidung aufgeformt.Finally, a
Der Fuß 7 weist des Weiteren einen axialen Durchgang auf, der mit einem Innengewinde versehen ist. Das innere Ende des Fußes 7 kann so das untere, mit einem Außengewinde versehene Ende des Verbindungselements 4 aufnehmen. Je nach Ausführung der Verzahnung lässt sich der Puffer 2 mit dem Verbindungselement 4 in den Fuß 7 hineindrücken. Danach kann er zur Feineinstellung der gewünschten Höhe des Pufferelements wieder aus dem Fuß 7 herausgeschraubt werden, bis die gewünschte Höhe erreicht ist.The
Zur Arretierung der Höheneinstellung ist ein Stift 10 vorgesehen, der in eine Innenbohrung des Schafts 5 hineindrückbar ist. Demzufolge ist der Schaft 5 in dieser Ausführungsform als Hülse gefertigt. Die Innenbohrung kann dabei zusätzlich ein Innengewinde aufweisen, das mit einem Außengewinde des Stifts 10 korrespondieren kann. Der Stift 10 weitet den Schaft 5 im Bereich des Fußes 7 auf, so dass der Schaft 5 gegen den Fuß 7 und/oder gegen den Federteller 6 verspannt und damit arretiert wird.To lock the height adjustment, a
Der Übergangsbereich zwischen Verbindungselement 4 und Pufferkörper 3 ist hier als Federelement, nämlich als Membran 11 ausgeführt. Die Membran 11 stellt neben dem Pufferkörper 3 einen weiteren Federeffekt bereit.The transition area between connecting element 4 and
Die Membran 11 weist des Weiteren eine Sollbruchstelle 12 auf, die bei Überschreiten einer axialen Höchstlast versagt und das Eintauchen des Pufferkörpers 3 in Bezug auf das Befestigungselement 1 erlaubt. Damit kann bspw. bei einem Unfall mit einem Fußgänger der maximal mögliche Weg freigegeben werden, um die Aufprallenergie zu vernichten. Beim Eintauchen des Pufferkörpers 3 wird dieser durch das verbleibende Verbindungselement 4 geführt und mit einer entgegengerichteten Reibkraft beaufschlagt.The
Darüber hinaus weist das Befestigungselement 1 eine zylindrische Seitenwand 13 auf. Diese stellt für den ebenfalls zylindrisch ausgeformten Pufferkörper 3 eine axiale Führung bereit. So wird während des normalen Einsatzes des Puffers ein Ausknicken oder eine sonstige Fehlfunktion vermieden.In addition, the
Im Falle des Versagens der Sollbruchstelle 12 wird der Eintauchvorgang des Pufferkörpers 3 zusätzlich von der Seitenwand 13 geleitet. Dabei ist es ebenfalls möglich, den Bereich zwischen der Außenwand des Pufferkörpers 3 und der Innenfläche der Seitenwand 13 so zu gestalten, dass die Seitenwand 13 eine Reibkraft auf den Pufferkörper 3 ausübt. Damit kann während des Normalbetriebs ein zusätzlicher Dämpfungseffekt erreicht werden und während eines Unfallgeschehens eine zusätzliche Aufnahme von Aufprallenergie erfolgen.In the event of failure of the
Im Unterschied zum vorher behandelten Ausführungsbeispiel ist hier das Gewinde zur Aufnahme des Puffers 2 aus dem Inneren des Befestigungselements 1, nämlich dem Fuß 7, nach außen verlegt worden. So weist das Befestigungselement 1 auf der dem Puffer 2 zugewandten Seite eine zylindrische Form auf. Der zylindrische Abschnitt verfügt über ein Außengewinde, in welches der Puffer 2 drehbar eingreift. Dazu umfasst der Puffer 2 im unteren Bereich eine Hülse 14, die ein entsprechendes Innengewinde aufweist. Im zentralen Bereich ist der Puffer 2 nach wie vor durch ein Verbindungselement 4 gebildet, das die Form eines Schafts 5 aufweist. Der Schaft 5 sowie der darüber liegende tellerartige Abschnitt, in den der Schaft 5 übergeht, sind aus hartem Kunststoff gefertigt. Dadurch wird sowohl die Kraftaufnahme erhöht als auch die Zuverlässigkeit der Arretierung der Höheneinstellung verbessert.In contrast to the previously discussed exemplary embodiment, here the thread for receiving the
Oberhalb des tellerartigen Abschnitts des Verbindungselements 4 ist der Pufferkörper 3 angeordnet, der aus weichem Kunststoffmaterial hergestellt ist. Damit wird ein weicher und schonender Anschlag für das bewegliche Teil bereitgestellt.The
Der Schaft 5 verläuft innerhalb des Befestigungselements 1 in einer Innenbohrung. Diese Innenbohrung kann mit einem Untermaß gegenüber dem Schaft 5 vorgesehen werden, um eine definierte Klemmkraft zu erreichen. Zur Höheneinstellung des Puffers 2 wird die Hülse 14 mit ihrem Innengewinde auf das Außengewinde der Seitenwand 13 aufgesetzt und verschraubt. Dabei taucht gleichzeitig der Schaft 5 in die Innenbohrung des Befestigungselements 1 ein. Sobald die gewünschte Höhe erreicht ist, wird ein Sicherungsring 15 betätigt, durch den die Position des Puffers 2 in Bezug auf das Befestigungselement 1 arretierbar ist.The shaft 5 runs within the
Bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel stützt sich der Sicherungsring 15 nach oben gegen den Pufferkörper 3 ab und wirkt auf die Hülse 14. Dadurch lässt sich eine Verspannung des Innengewindes der Hülse 14 gegenüber dem Außengewinde der Seitenwand 13 erreichen. Zur Anzeige der Arretierungsstellung sind optische Markierungen vorgesehen (nicht dargestellt). Dazu ist die Arretierungsstellung an der Hülse 14 farbig gekennzeichnet. Sofern die Position des Puffers 2 arretiert ist, ist die farbliche Markierung abgedeckt. Ein Abgreifen der Arretierungsstellung mit einer Lehre mit elektronischer Freigabe ist möglich.In this exemplary embodiment, the securing
Im Hinblick auf einen verbesserten Fußgängerschutz verfügt die Gewindepaarung zwischen der Seitenwand 13 und der Hülse 14 über Sollbruchstellen. Beim Überschreiten einer definierten Höchstlast versagt die Gewindepaarung, so dass der Puffer 2 in das Befestigungselement 1 eintauchen kann. In besonders vorteilhafter Weise wirkt dem Eintauchvorgang eine Klemmkraft zwischen dem Schaft 5 und dem Befestigungselement 1 entgegen, so dass eine kontrollierte Vernichtung auf Aufprallenergie stattfinden kann.With a view to improved pedestrian protection, the thread pairing between the
Hinsichtlich weiterer vorteilhafter Ausgestaltungen des erfindungsgemäßen Pufferelements wird zur Vermeidung von Wiederholungen auf den allgemeinen Teil der Beschreibung sowie auf die beigefügten Patentansprüche verwiesen.With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the buffer element according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the attached claims to avoid repetition.
Schließlich sei ausdrücklich darauf hingewiesen, dass die voranstehend beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele des erfindungsgemäßen Pufferelements lediglich zur Erörterung der beanspruchten Lehre dienen, diese jedoch nicht auf die Ausführungsbeispiele einschränken.Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the above-described exemplary embodiments of the buffer element according to the invention only serve to explain the teaching claimed, but do not restrict them to the exemplary embodiments.
- 11
- BefestigungselementFastener
- 22
- Pufferbuffer
- 33
- PufferkörperBuffer body
- 44th
- VerbindungselementConnecting element
- 55
- Schaftshaft
- 66th
- FedertellerSpring plate
- 77th
- Fußfoot
- 88th
- Segmentsegment
- 99
- Kragencollar
- 1010
- Stiftpen
- 1111
- Membranmembrane
- 1212th
- SollbruchstellePredetermined breaking point
- 1313th
- SeitenwandSide wall
- 1414th
- HülseSleeve
- 1515th
- SicherungsringCirclip
Claims (12)
- Buffer element for use as a stop for a movable component, in particular a front or rear cover of a motor vehicle, on a supporting component, in particular of a body, having a securing element (1) which can be secured to the supporting or movable component, and having a buffer (2) which is retained indirectly or directly by means of the securing element (1), wherein the buffer (2) can be adjusted in terms of height with respect to the securing element (1), wherein the buffer (2) has a buffer body (3) which faces away from the securing element (1) and a connection element (4) which faces the securing element (1), and wherein the connection element (4) engages in a non-positive-locking and/or positive-locking manner in the securing element (1), wherein the position of the connection element (4) can be adjusted and locked with respect to the securing element (1), characterised in that the securing element (1) has a cylindrical side wall (13), wherein the side wall (13) has an outer thread, and wherein the side wall (13) is screwed to a sleeve (14) which has a corresponding inner thread, and wherein there is provided a securing ring (15) by means of which the position of the buffer (2) with respect to the outer thread of the side wall (13) can be locked by supporting the securing ring (15) in an upward direction with respect to the buffer body (3) and the securing ring acting on the sleeve (14) which is arranged in the lower region of the buffer (2), wherein the securing ring (15) tensions the inner thread of the sleeve (14) with respect to the outer thread of the side wall (13).
- Buffer element according to claim 1, characterised in that the buffer (2) has a cylindrical or polygonal or multi-sided side wall.
- Buffer element according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the buffer (2) has a soft plastics material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer material, or rubber.
- Buffer element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the buffer (2) can be displaced with respect to the securing element (1) and/or can be screwed and/or unscrewed and where applicable locked.
- Buffer element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the transition region between the buffer (2) and the securing element (1) has one or more desired breaking locations (12), after the destruction of which the buffer (2) can be moved in the direction of the securing element (1).
- Buffer element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the connection element (4) is produced from a hard plastics material, in particular from polyamide and/or polyoxymethylene.
- Buffer element according to claim 6, characterised in that the buffer body (3) and the connection element (4) are constructed integrally or as separate components.
- Buffer element according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterised in that the transition region between the buffer body (3) and the connection element (4) is configured as a resilient element, in particular as a diaphragm (11), and where applicable has a desired breaking location (12), after the destruction of which the buffer body (3) can be moved in the direction of the securing element (1), wherein the transition region can be configured in such a manner that a friction force counteracts the movement of the buffer (2) or the buffer body (3) in the direction of the securing element (1), which movement follows the destruction of the desired breaking location (12).
- Buffer element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the inner face of the side wall (13) provides an axial guiding of the buffer (2) which can apply a friction and/or clamping force to the buffer (2).
- Buffer element according to claim 9, characterised in that the securing ring (15) has an inner thread which engages in an outer thread of a sleeve (14) of the buffer (2) or in an outer thread of the side wall (13).
- Buffer element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the securing element (1) has a centrally arranged clamping device, in particular a resilient plate (6), for receiving the buffer (2) or the connection element (4) which is associated with the buffer (2).
- Buffer element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the securing element (1) has at the lower side a base (7) which can be secured in an opening of a receiving component, in particular in a cut-out or hole of a metal sheet, wherein the base (7) may have a round or polygonal or multi-sided shape, where applicable an undercut and/or a collar (9) and/or axially sub-divided segments (8).
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL08014902T PL2031168T3 (en) | 2007-08-28 | 2008-08-22 | Buffer element |
SI200832176T SI2031168T1 (en) | 2007-08-28 | 2008-08-22 | Buffer element |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102007040748 | 2007-08-28 | ||
DE102007051103A DE102007051103A1 (en) | 2007-08-28 | 2007-10-24 | Buffer element for use as stop for mobile part, particularly front or rear hood of motor vehicle, has mounting element, which is fixed at carrying or moving part and buffer is held indirectly or directly by mounting element |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2031168A2 EP2031168A2 (en) | 2009-03-04 |
EP2031168A3 EP2031168A3 (en) | 2012-07-18 |
EP2031168B1 true EP2031168B1 (en) | 2021-05-26 |
Family
ID=39968072
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP08014902.4A Active EP2031168B1 (en) | 2007-08-28 | 2008-08-22 | Buffer element |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2031168B1 (en) |
SI (1) | SI2031168T1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102008015579B4 (en) | 2008-03-18 | 2020-08-06 | Newfrey Llc | Stop arrangement and method for setting up a stop for two mutually movable components |
DE102009022809A1 (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2010-12-02 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Bump stop for the exact positioning of a position-adjustable element |
FR2987803B1 (en) * | 2012-03-12 | 2015-03-27 | Carbody | SELF-ADJUSTABLE STOP DEVICE FOR AN OPENING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE |
GB2517426A (en) * | 2013-08-19 | 2015-02-25 | Nissan Motor Mfg Uk Ltd | Vehicle panel bump stop |
DE102020200240A1 (en) | 2020-01-10 | 2021-07-15 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Buffer element for a front flap of a vehicle and arrangement of a buffer element on a body element of a vehicle |
WO2021173863A1 (en) * | 2020-02-25 | 2021-09-02 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Adjustable height stopper assembly |
CN113482468B (en) * | 2021-07-21 | 2022-09-06 | 东风柳州汽车有限公司 | Spacing subassembly of back door and car with adjustable |
DE102022123266B3 (en) | 2022-09-13 | 2024-03-14 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Guide pin for a buffer system and motor vehicle |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4011186A1 (en) * | 1989-04-11 | 1990-10-31 | Volkswagen Ag | Stop for car boot lid - can be positionally adjusted after fitting to lid |
DE4340114A1 (en) | 1993-11-25 | 1995-06-01 | Mecano Simmonds Gmbh | Adjustable buffer esp. for movable vehicle body part |
EP0892140B1 (en) * | 1997-07-17 | 2008-02-06 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Method of manufacturing a buffer arrangement, especially for vehicle body parts |
IT1321053B1 (en) * | 2000-11-09 | 2003-12-30 | Fiat Auto Spa | ADJUSTABLE STROKE BUFFER FOR A MOBILE PART OF THE BODYWORK OF A VEHICLE. |
-
2008
- 2008-08-22 SI SI200832176T patent/SI2031168T1/en unknown
- 2008-08-22 EP EP08014902.4A patent/EP2031168B1/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2031168A2 (en) | 2009-03-04 |
EP2031168A3 (en) | 2012-07-18 |
SI2031168T1 (en) | 2021-11-30 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2031168B1 (en) | Buffer element | |
EP2720907B1 (en) | Fixing element with tolerance adjustment | |
DE102007002091B4 (en) | Steering column with crash device | |
DE102007051103A1 (en) | Buffer element for use as stop for mobile part, particularly front or rear hood of motor vehicle, has mounting element, which is fixed at carrying or moving part and buffer is held indirectly or directly by mounting element | |
DE102005055071B4 (en) | Bump stop for a bonnet of automobiles | |
EP2713061B1 (en) | Closure and cladding system with same | |
EP1926641A1 (en) | Windscreen wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle | |
EP3341263B1 (en) | Clamping device of an adjustable steering column for motor vehicles | |
DE102017213911A1 (en) | Adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle with energy absorption device | |
EP3045347A1 (en) | Bearing device and headrest | |
EP2476500B1 (en) | Welding wire feeding device | |
DE102010026725B4 (en) | Buffer element with improved breakdown of impact energy | |
WO2013079185A1 (en) | Vehicle seat with a deformation device | |
DE60309028T2 (en) | IMPROVED DEVICE FOR SIDE ADJUSTMENT OF WINDOW HOLDERS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND THE SAME | |
EP1905545B1 (en) | Spring compressor for coil springs | |
EP2861890B1 (en) | Adjustment device for a vehicle chassis | |
EP3326249B1 (en) | Arrangement comprising a roof system and a fastening system for the fastening of the roof system on the roof of an electrical cabinet | |
EP1610997A1 (en) | Clamping device for fixing the position of a steering column | |
DE102005014669B4 (en) | Passive safety system for the frontal impact of a pedestrian on the hood of a vehicle | |
WO2013186302A2 (en) | Locking device for locking a movable component | |
DE102008018563A1 (en) | Fastening system for lateral guide of shock absorber at body of motor vehicle, comprises plastic nut that is arranged at lateral guide to screw welding bolt | |
DE102013017282B4 (en) | Gurtschlossbringer | |
EP1567396A1 (en) | Window-wiping device, particularly for a motor vehicle | |
WO2005028281A1 (en) | Steering column assembly comprising a steering column the tilt and length of which can be modified | |
DE102020203104B4 (en) | Steering column for a motor vehicle |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA MK RS |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA MK RS |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: E05F 5/02 20060101AFI20120614BHEP |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20121123 |
|
AKX | Designation fees paid |
Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: GUNDL, FELIX Inventor name: ECKER, RAINER Inventor name: SCHIFFMANN, REINHOLD Inventor name: SEUBERT, WINFRIED Inventor name: SCHABENBERGER, RICHARD Inventor name: MOSER, SIBYLLE |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: SEUBERT, WINFRIED Inventor name: BACHFISCHER, SIBYLLE Inventor name: ECKER, RAINER Inventor name: SCHIFFMANN, REINHOLD Inventor name: SCHABENBERGER, RICHARD Inventor name: GUNDL, FELIX |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20150804 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20200818 |
|
GRAJ | Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
INTC | Intention to grant announced (deleted) | ||
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20210203 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: NOT ENGLISH |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1396377 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20210615 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 502008017207 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: RO Ref legal event code: EPE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG9D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: SK Ref legal event code: T3 Ref document number: E 37882 Country of ref document: SK |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210826 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210526 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210526 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210526 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20210526 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HU Ref legal event code: AG4A Ref document number: E055410 Country of ref document: HU |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210526 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210926 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210827 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210526 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210826 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210927 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210526 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210526 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210526 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210526 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 502008017207 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210526 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20210831 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20210826 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210831 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210831 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20220301 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210926 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210822 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210822 Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210826 Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210831 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210831 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R081 Ref document number: 502008017207 Country of ref document: DE Owner name: SPRINGFIX-BEFESTIGUNGSTECHNIK GESELLSCHAFT MIT, DE Free format text: FORMER OWNER: SPRINGFIX-BEFESTIGUNGSTECHNIK GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRAENKTER HAFTUNG, 73084 SALACH, DE Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R081 Ref document number: 502008017207 Country of ref document: DE Owner name: AUDI AG, DE Free format text: FORMER OWNER: SPRINGFIX-BEFESTIGUNGSTECHNIK GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRAENKTER HAFTUNG, 73084 SALACH, DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210526 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230601 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RO Payment date: 20230821 Year of fee payment: 16 Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20230831 Year of fee payment: 16 Ref country code: CZ Payment date: 20230810 Year of fee payment: 16 Ref country code: AT Payment date: 20230818 Year of fee payment: 16 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK Payment date: 20230817 Year of fee payment: 16 Ref country code: SI Payment date: 20230809 Year of fee payment: 16 Ref country code: PL Payment date: 20230731 Year of fee payment: 16 Ref country code: HU Payment date: 20230817 Year of fee payment: 16 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20231027 Year of fee payment: 16 |